Merry Christmas!

Hi family and friends. Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to you. I attempted to update the blog yesterday, but we were having some internet problems, so I will now. We have had a great week of sharing and spending time with at the Embrey Christmas party last weekend, making gingerbread men, Christmas Eve service at Trader's Point Christian Church, and opening presents yesterday on Christmas Day.

Since 7:30 a.m yesterday, there has been little eating, talking or even fighting (wow) between the boys as they have been totally involved in their Star Wars extravaganza... Legos, action figures, vehicles, oh my!

Here are a few pictures. We miss you so much Grandpa and Lou Lou, and are thankful that you were not injured in the fire. Things are replaceable, you however are not. Happy Birthday, Jesus.

We thank God often for each and every one of you and treasure the faith we share

Isaac's first piano recital

Yesterday, we enjoyed hearing several musicians at the bi-annual recital held by Isaac's piano teacher along with 2 other teachers. It's so amazing, the talent some of these young people are blessed with. Right before Isaac was to perform, he leaned over to me with a pale face and told me he was nervous. I encouraged him that he would do a fantastic job and that we were very proud of him. He performed two pieces in front of a decently sized crowd of mostly strangers. "Honeybee" was his first piece (Suzuki) and then "This Little Light of Mine." We again, couldn't be more proud of his growth in piano and the self-confidence he is gaining. He even remembered to bow at the end.

Here are some pictures of Isaac performing. The video was done on the camera, so we will try to figure out how to download that to the blog.

Raingutter Regatta

On Jacob's birthday, we also had another event. Isaac enjoyed the Raingutter Regatta with his cub scout troop and had a team cheering him on, including his Grammy. Although he did not win any races, he did win a trophy for best paint job! We continue to be very proud of our cub scout! Congratulations, Isaac ;)

Jacob's 5th Birthday

On November 14th, our Jacob turned 5 years old. I cried a little in the morning, Michael cried the night before, then we enjoyed celebrating with him that afternoon. There were 14 children here to celebrate on the 14th with some of their parents. It was a NASCAR themed birthday party where we pinned the mustache on Dale Jr. and everyone had a great time. Here are a few pictures from the party.

Andy talked me into it :)

Yesterday's post was so well received by my brother-in-law, (Ha!) that I decided to post more pics...

Another unbelievably beautiful day in Indianapolis. The change of colors, the bright blue sky, and still some green grass... it's breathtaking.

Love to you all :)

Fall Photo Opportunity.. we took it!

Today was an absolutely beautiful fall day. We haven't had many this season, so I took the opportunity to drag our handsome boys to the park.. except it was about pictures before playtime. That went over like a lead balloon, but I got a few good shots that I hope to use as reprints.

Jacob will be 5 next month and as I look at these pictures, I see my baby has slipped away. It's bitter sweet.

Playground Fun

We had a nice call from Great Gordon last night, checking in and letting us know that he saw the new posts and Isaac's video. He checks the blog "at least once a day," he said. We love our Great Gordon and am thankful for this technology so that he can keep up with the boys. Thanks to all of you other onlookers :) (Grammy, Andy, etc..) oh, yeah, you are important and we love you too ! :)

Our Cub Scout!

In September, Isaac joined Cub Scouts. It has been a great time of learning, sharing and meeting new friends for him. All the boys in his group are his age and he really loved having someone "his age" to spend time with. His troop is huge, with several dens, he is in the Wolf den, and will earn his bobcat badge tonight. He has learned the cub scout pledge, cub scout handshake and many other things so far. It's a great time for he and daddy on Monday nights! But, they get home in time for Monday night football.. luckily! GO COLTS! Here's our handsome cub scout. He is currently selling popcorn for his troop, so let us know if you would like to place an order. We are so proud of both our boys and the fall is flying by.

Heritage Builders Co-op

We are excited to be in a new co-op for homeschoolers on the west side this year called Heritage Builders. Here's a look at a few pictures from our trip to the Pizza Hut and Stuckey's apple orchard. We have had a great time so far.

A song for Great Gordon

Isaac's piano skills are really coming along. Most of the time, he enjoys practicing, and adores his teacher, Mrs. Hudson. He wanted to share his newest hymn with everyone; especially Great Gordon. We love and miss you dearly!

Our Jedi Knights

Jacob and Isaac received a special delivery in the mail on Saturday. Grandma Krosschell made them matching Jedi cloaks for their many light "saver" battles. Thank you so much, Grandma.

Star of the week... JACOB

Jacob is enjoying another great year of preschool. This week he is the "star of the week", which gives him the priviledge to be first in line for everything, as well as leading with the pledge, prayer at lunch and a little presentation of himself that he will give on Wednesday. He has been looking forward to it since the first day of school.

Finally.. we are updating!

Daddy has been so busy that he hasn't had time to update the blog. So I am going to attempt to do so...

Nascar Comes To Town

Isaac, Jacob and I went down to Speedway this evening to see the 'Parade of Haulers.' 40 or more NASCAR haulers in a long line. All of their favorites (and Daddy's too) including Jimmy Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhart Jr.

The boys even got to meet Earnhart's truck driver, Speed. He hoisted them up into the cab and let them have a look inside. Pretty cool.

We are planning to attend practice at the track tomorrow. I expect to be awakened before 6 AM. Practice starts at 2.

Holiday World 2009

Our family visited Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana. Daddy and Jacob had never been, but Nancy visited there often as a child. The boys enjoyed the rides to a point, before insisting we get on with the water park. It was a good day, with Nancy and me both enjoying a few rollercoasters and other such grown-up fare. I don't think I have been on a roller coaster since Cedar Point in 8th Grade.

We enjoyed it immensely and are thinking of making this an annual tradition.

Jacob driving his first car.

Isaac trying to chase Jacob down.

Isaac and his wingman.

Jacob was pretty excited about the bumper boats.

Indians Baseball

Isaac and Jacob went to their first baseball game yesterday, the Indianapolis Indians versus the Syracuse Chiefs. They enjoyed it very much, especially because the Indians won, 5-4. (Actually, it was Isaac's second game, he reminds me.)

Isaac enjoyed the ice cream and Jacob enjoyed everything.

Happy Mothers Day, 2009

I had a nice mother's day with the boys. They each made me wonderful cards, and Jacob told me last night that I was the perfect mommy for him. That was a great present. The boys along with Michael bought me a digital keychain, so I can show all my friends their pictures.